Math

IM is an exciting problem based math curriculum that is designed to focus more on understanding math and being able to solve problems using multiple strategies.  Students are encouraged to think visually and make deductions.  The curriculum slowly builds in content to where students are being able to approach high level problems from real world situations.

Basic class structures look VERY different in IM than in Math Expressions.  I've taught IM the last two years which gave me a head start on implementation.  The biggest difference I found was in the order.  In IM, students are encouraged to face challenging problems that they might attack from different angles.  The teacher surveys through observation to understand the strategies that kids are using.  Then the teacher presents these strategies and discusses pros and cons while also solidifying the math knowledge and introducing new methods and ideas.  Students work very collaboratively.  Memorization is less important, though still a factor an important factor after understanding and practice.  Homework is greatly lessened.  There are generally 7 questions of homework a night, with some extended problem offerings.  Math fluency is worked on during class and at home through math games that help build students' number sence.